PanicStation.org
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us Work & employment crises customer threatens me online • client threatening messages • online harassment from customer • abusive client emails • social media threats at work • work-related online threats • client intimidation online • doxxed by a customer • review extortion threat • threatening dm from client • customer rage on socials • online stalking by client • client complaint threats • threats because of my job • unsafe client contact • public posts targeting me • employer support for threats

What to do if…
a customer or client starts threatening you online because of your job

Short answer

Stop engaging, save the evidence, and report it through your workplace safety/HR channels now. If you feel in immediate danger, call 911.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t argue, “explain,” or negotiate in DMs, comments, or review replies.
  • Don’t delete messages/posts before saving proof (you may lose evidence).
  • Don’t share personal details to defend yourself (home address, routine, family info).
  • Don’t meet the person in real life to “resolve it”.
  • Don’t keep taking direct calls/messages from the same client once threats start.

What to do now

  1. Decide if this is an emergency.
    If you believe there’s an immediate risk of harm or the person may show up, call 911. If it’s threatening/harassing but not an emergency, contact your local police non-emergency option.

  2. Preserve evidence (before you block).
    Screenshot the threats with usernames, dates/times, and URLs. Save emails in a way that keeps message details if you can. Write a brief timeline: what happened, when, and how it connects to your job.

  3. Report it internally right away and ask for concrete protections.
    Notify your manager/HR/security (or your workplace violence reporting channel). Ask them to log the threat, preserve relevant work records (customer account notes, call logs, scheduling records), and confirm who owns next steps.

  4. Request immediate risk-reducing changes that your employer controls.
    Examples: reassign the client; pause service; route communications through a team inbox/phone line; remove your name from outward-facing comms where possible; adjust your schedule/location; brief front desk/security; consider banning/trespass procedures if your workplace uses them.

  5. Report the content to the platform and reduce exposure.
    Use the platform’s reporting tools for threats/harassment and request takedown. After saving evidence, block/mute. Tighten privacy settings and limit what your profile reveals (workplace, location, contact info).

  6. If the threats involve protected-characteristic harassment, document and escalate.
    If the content targets race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, etc., flag that to HR. Employers may have duties to act on harassment connected to work, including by non-employees, depending on the situation and what the employer can control—so get it on record and request prompt corrective action.

  7. If it’s cyber-enabled extortion/scam activity, use official reporting routes (but don’t misroute emergencies).
    If the person is trying to extort money/data or this involves fraud, you can report to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). For time-sensitive threats or immediate danger, call 911/local police first. Beware lookalike “reporting portals”—use official government channels.

What can wait

  • Writing a public “statement” or long reply thread.
  • Deciding whether to pursue a restraining order, lawsuit, or media response.
  • Trying to “investigate” the person yourself online.
  • Major career decisions until the immediate risk is controlled.

Important reassurance

Feeling shaky, angry, or embarrassed is a normal reaction to being threatened. You’re not overreacting by treating this as a safety issue and involving your workplace.

Scope note

This is first-steps guidance to stabilize and prevent escalation. Next steps may involve workplace investigations, legal advice, or victim support depending on the nature of the threats.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. If you’re being threatened or harassed, report it to your employer and appropriate law enforcement.

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